PLACENTIA, YORBA LINDA : Parents Ask School Trustees to Resign

Dozens of angry parents this week called on trustees and top officials with the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District to resign, saying they had shown poor judgment in borrowing $50 million to put in the county investment pool.

The parents at Tuesday’s board meeting were particularly critical of Kim Stallings, assistant superintendent for business.

“You listened to Kim Stallings (when investing the money). Are you sure you feel comfortable with Kim Stallings to get you out of this mess?” asked one speaker at Tuesday’s meeting.

Most of the applause from the audience of about 50 parents and residents was reserved for speakers who blamed the district’s officials and trustees for the financial uncertainty the district now faces. But two residents spoke in defense of the district.

“We are all really angry, but as responsible people we should not take our anger out on the wrong people,” said Kent Norton, a Yorba Linda resident and former district employee. “Law enforcement officials are focusing their investigation on county officials. (That’s where) we should focus our anger.”

Former trustee William Kielty, who lost a bid for reelection last November, apologized for voting to borrow the money and put it in the county’s investment pool, but also called on parents to stop blaming the district.

“It will not benefit our children if you continue to come here and assault the people who took an action in the interest of benefiting our children,” Kielty said.

Trustee Judy Miner said after the meeting that calling for resignations at a time when the district faces financial difficulties was counterproductive and divisive.